3M gift supports research advisors to Mathworks summer math camp

A donation from the 3M Company will support research advisors that work with students in the 2014 Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) program at Texas State University.

The $10,500 gift to Mathworks will help secure the 9-10 faculty engaged each year in advising original math and science research, generating new findings in scientific fields while inspiring and mentoring the next generation of mathematicians, engineers and scientists.

In 2013, 3M scientists Carl Fisher and Eumi Pyun had the opportunity to mentor one team of HSMC students on a project modeling the properties of different molecules. The resulting research paper, "Generating Molecular Solubility Predictors Using Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships," earned a semifinalist award in the Siemens Competition for the team of Justin Zhang, Amber Guo and Angela Feng.

"Based on the excellent work done by our students last summer, 3M hopes to provide mentors to even more teams this year," said Pyun.

The support by 3M continues a public-private partnership to engage, develop and motivate young students in their pursuit of doing math and science. Students grow their critical and creative thinking through experiences not normally offered in their schools, letting them see how theory is tied to the real-world. 3M's commitment to giving math and science learning opportunities to students presents a model for other companies to follow.

"The future of 3M and the entire tech sector depends on nurturing the minds of youth who have shown a passion for math and science," said Russell Bridges, manager of 3Mgives. "Texas State University is a great partner for us to help accomplish this. These students are amazing."

For more information, contact Andrew Hsiau at (512) 245-3626 or via email at andrewh@txstate.edu.